Aging Institute Research Day 2014: Building Collaborations for the Future

Overview

The 8th Annual Aging Institute Research Day took place on April 10th, 2014 at the University Club at the University of Pittsburgh. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while networking with peers and were treated to a panel discussion on healthy brain aging.

This year’s Poster Session included over 50 presentations by clinicians and researchers from throughout the UPMC and University of Pittsburgh systems. Awards were given to exemplary submissions from students, post-doctoral candidates, junior faculty and clinicians. A list of poster abstracts in PDF format can be viewed here.

Awards

Candidates for Clinical or Research Doctorates or Master’s Level Students Category

First PlacePatricia Griffin, Department of Immunology, University of PittsburghNK-like T cells and BDNF comprise a signature of successful aging: The Pittsburgh Pepper Immune Cohort

Honorable MentionDidier Chalhoub, MD, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, University of PittsburghBone Mineral Density at multiple sites and risk of multiple types of fracture: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study

Post Doctorates Category

First PlaceJuleen Rodakowski, OTD, OTR/L, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of PittsburghPredicting conversion to dementia for older adults at-risk for progressing

Honorable MentionSarah Stahl, PhD, University Center for Social and Urban Research, University of PittsburghPhysical Activity Patterns among Older Adults who Fall

Junior Faculty Category

First PlaceJuliann Jaumotte, PhD, Department of Neurology, University of PittsburghAn age-related decline in ERK5 in the basal ganglia may help explain why age is a risk factor in Parkinson’s disease.

Honorable MentionDana Tudorascu, PHD, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of PittsburghPotential mechanisms of resilience to brain aging